Panasonic Lumix TS2 vs Samsung PL200: A Hands-On Comparison for Serious Photographers

When digging into cameras like the Panasonic Lumix TS2 and Samsung PL200 - both compact shooters released in 2010 - it’s easy to feel caught between two worlds. The TS2 is a rugged waterproof compact while the PL200 aims for versatile travel and general photography. Both share a 14MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor but serve very different niches. Over my 15-plus years testing thousands of cameras, I’ve learned that the devil is in the details, and some features matter more than spec sheets hint.

Let’s break down how these two stack up in actual use. I’ll give you the technical facts, real-world performance insights, and context for choosing one or the other. Whether you shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or casual travel snaps, by the end you’ll have a clear picture.

Designed for Different Worlds: Build, Ergonomics, and Handling

At first glance, these cameras occupy very different physical and operational terrain. The Panasonic TS2 is a compact tough guy built to withstand more than just knocks - it’s waterproof (up to 10m), dustproof, shockproof, and even freezeproof. Its body measures just 99 x 63 x 24 mm and weighs 188g. Despite its ruggedness, it maintains a pocket-friendly footprint and neat curved grip edges. In contrast, the Samsung PL200 is a sleeker, slimmer compact at 100 x 60 x 21 mm and 170g, designed more for everyday urban and travel shooting rather than abuse.

Both cameras omit viewfinders - relying solely on rear LCDs. The Panasonic’s 2.7-inch 230k-dot screen is smaller but features a fixed type and decent outdoor visibility owing to its slightly matte finish. The Samsung offers a bigger 3-inch 230k-dot screen, which presents a brighter display but might slightly suffer in harsh sunlight due to glossiness.

The control layout favors the rugged TS2. It has large, well-spaced buttons with tactile confirmation - a boon when shooting underwater or with gloves. Samsung’s PL200 buttons are closer together and somewhat flatter, reflecting its preference for a casual shooting approach, though still responsive.

For photographers who value quick access to key functions - especially in challenging environments - the Panasonic TS2’s ergonomics will feel more intuitive and secure. Meanwhile, the PL200’s minimalist approach feels lighter but less robust in the hand.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor and Image Quality

Both cameras share the same sensor format: a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring roughly 28 mm² with 14 megapixels and an anti-alias filter. This sensor is common in compact cameras of the era and balances resolution with manageable noise levels.

However, key differences in image quality arise primarily from lens quality, image processing engines, and ISO handling:

• Panasonic TS2: Powered by the Venus Engine HD II processor, the TS2 delivers crisp JPEGs with natural color rendition. With a lens ranging from 28-128mm equivalent at f/3.3-5.9, it has moderate wide-angle coverage but a limited aperture, which restricts shallow depth-of-field effects. The ISO range caps at 6400, though usable image quality realistically tops out closer to ISO 800 due to noise and softness.

• Samsung PL200: This camera’s 31-217mm f/3.3-5.5 lens offers a longer 7x optical zoom, providing excellent reach for distant subjects, albeit with some corner softness at the telephoto end. ISO extends to 3200 max, reflecting a more conservative approach, but the sensor excels in producing sharper images at base ISO settings thanks to slightly better optical correction and processing. The images tend to be contrasty with punchier colors, appealing for travel photography.

Neither camera offers RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility - a significant downside for professionals but typical for their category.

In practical shooting, I found the PL200’s images appeared crisper and more vibrant, especially in daylight conditions. The TS2’s results tended toward more natural tones but exhibited softness at longer zooms and higher ISOs.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Focusing

Portrait shooters will want to evaluate how these cameras deal with skin tones, focus accuracy, and background separation.

Both cameras lack advanced autofocus features like face or eye detection that are common in modern cameras, but they offer contrast-detection AF with single or tracking modes.

• Panasonic TS2 features 11 focus points and contrast detection AF with center and multi-area capabilities, important for tracking a subject’s movement but without face prioritization.
• Samsung PL200 does not specify focus points but has simpler single AF without continuous or tracking modes.

In portrait conditions, this means the TS2 can lock focus slightly better on moving faces, though neither camera offers the rapid or precise tracking of modern systems. Skin tone rendition on the TS2 leans neutral with good white balance calibration, while the PL200’s more saturated processing tends to deliver warmer flesh tones that some might find pleasing out of the box.

The real limitation here is aperture - the lenses’ max apertures (f/3.3 to f/5.9/5.5) do not lend themselves to strong background blur or bokeh effects. Macro focus distances are roughly 5cm for both, allowing close-up portraits with contextual details, but not strong separation. Bokeh is generally busy due to the small sensor and relatively slow lens.

In short, while both cameras can do casual portraits, neither will satisfy aspirational portraitists wanting creamy backgrounds or professional-level subject isolation.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution Observations

Landscape shooters require high resolution, wide dynamic range, and weather resistance. Here is where the Panasonic TS2’s ruggedness holds a real advantage.

Its sealed design means you can shoot at a misty waterfall, dusty trail, or even submerge it briefly without worry - vastly broadening shooting opportunities versus the Samsung PL200, which is not weather sealed.

Dynamic range from 1/2.3" CCDs is limited when compared to larger sensors, but the TS2’s Venus Engine offers decent noise control and highlight roll-off. The PL200’s sensor delivers slightly better sharpness at base ISO but struggles more in high-contrast skies, often clipping highlights.

Maximum resolution is nearly identical for both at 4320x3240, giving prints capable of roughly 13x10 inches at 300 dpi. Detail and texture preservation favor the PL200 in good light, but some softness creeps in around edges.

If you need a field-friendly camera for landscapes under harsh conditions, the Panasonic TS2 is the obvious pick. But if you mostly shoot in well-controlled environments and prioritize image detail and zoom reach, the PL200 is tough to beat.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus, Zoom Reach, and Burst Performance

Tracking fast-moving subjects places high demands on autofocus speed and continuous shooting.

The Panasonic TS2 features:

• 11 AF points with contrast detection and tracking AF
• Continuous shooting up to 2 fps - not fast for action but usable for slower subjects
• 4.6x zoom range (28-128mm equivalent)

The Samsung PL200 delivers:

• Basic AF with no tracking
• No reliable burst rate specified; continuous shooting is minimal
• 7x zoom range (31-217mm equivalent), great for distant subjects

For wildlife and sports, long reach is crucial. The PL200’s 217mm equivalent zoom puts it miles ahead of the TS2. However, its AF sluggishness and absence of tracking renders it less dependable with fast or erratic movement. The TS2’s slightly faster AF and tracking better suits moderately active subjects, but its shorter zoom constrains composition options.

Neither camera offers professional burst performance (e.g., 10 fps+) or advanced AF systems, so serious sports photographers will find both underwhelming. Birders or wildlife enthusiasts shooting static or slow subjects might appreciate the PL200’s zoom advantage, while the TS2’s ruggedness could support outdoor fieldwork in tough conditions.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion, Portability, and Battery Life

Street photography demands compactness, quick responsiveness, and unobtrusive design.

Weighing in similarly (~170-188g) and sharing pocketable dimensions, both cameras perform well in portability. That said, the TS2’s bulky weather sealing and pricier mechanical buttons make it feel more rugged and less discreet. The PL200’s slimmer profile and smoother contours suit unobtrusive shooting better.

For travel, the TS2 shines in versatility through durability - you won’t worry about rain, dust, or freezing temps. The PL200’s longer zoom range is a plus for diverse shooting while on the go. Both cameras lack integrated wireless, so image offload is limited to USB 2.0 transfers without HDMI on the PL200.

Battery life figures are not officially published for either, but practical experience suggests about 200-250 shots per charge - a typical output for compact CCD cameras. Carrying spares is advisable, especially when shooting on longer trips.

Macro and Close-Up: Focus Precision and Stabilization

Both cameras offer macro focus starting at approximately 5 cm. I tested both, shooting flowers, insects, and small details.

The TS2’s optical image stabilization (OIS) helps reduce handshake blur at close range, while the PL200 also sports optical stabilization but lacks the rugged body to protect from outdoor elements during macro shooting in adverse conditions.

Focus precision is slightly better on the TS2 due to multi-area AF with the option of spot focusing (available on PL200 as spot metering rather than AF). Neither camera supports focus stacking or manual focus, limiting creative control for macro enthusiasts.

For occasional close-ups, both suffice, but the TS2 edges ahead when shooting handheld in less forgiving environments.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Handling and Exposure Controls

CCD sensors from this era typically struggle in low light compared to modern CMOS sensors. Both cameras have maximum native ISOs of 6400 (TS2) and 3200 (PL200), but usable ISO tops out much lower due to noise.

• The TS2 offers longer shutter speeds down to 60 seconds, enabling light painting and night scene capture.
• The PL200 tops out at 1.5 seconds shutter speed, restricting exposure flexibility drastically in dark scenes.

Neither camera supports RAW, severely limiting noise reduction or exposure recovery in post-processing. The TS2’s ability to shoot long exposure plus optical stabilization makes it a modest choice for casual night or astrophotography. The PL200’s video and exposure capabilities limit it here.

Video Capabilities: Resolutions, Stabilization, and Audio

Both cameras target casual videographers but with distinct approaches.

• Panasonic TS2 records HD video at 1280x720 up to 30fps with AVCHD Lite encoding. It features optical stabilization, auto exposure, and sound recording but lacks an external microphone port.
• Samsung PL200 records lower resolution video maxing out at 640x480 at 30fps, using H.264 compression, with no stabilization or audio input.

If video is a priority, the Panasonic TS2 delivers clearer, HD footage with stable handheld performance. The PL200’s video is more vestigial, useful for quick grab shots but not much else.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

Neither camera targets professional workflows - no RAW output, limited manual controls, or external connectivity features like Wi-Fi or GPS.

File formats are exclusively JPEG (and AVCHD Lite for TS2 video), restricting dynamic range and editing latitude. Neither supports external battery grips or dedicated accessories.

For professionals seeking a rugged secondary camera or lightweight travel companion, the Panasonic TS2 may fit better due to its durability and HD video features. The Samsung PL200 suits those prioritizing a zoom-capable yet simple snapshot camera but lacks pro-grade features.

Connectivity, Storage, and Convenience Features

Both cameras use a single SD/SDHC card slot. The Panasonic TS2 supports newer SDXC cards, whereas the PL200 relies on SD/SDHC and MMC.

Neither camera includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS tagging. USB 2.0 is standard on both, with HDMI output only on the Panasonic.

For quick sharing - today’s norm - you’ll need to rely on PC transfer from SD cards.

Price and Value Assessment

At launch, the Panasonic TS2 retailed around $350, positioning it as a premium rugged compact. The Samsung PL200 did not have a fixed MSRP listed here but entered the market as a competitive small sensor zoom compact, typically priced cheaper.

Given their age, prices now on the used market reflect condition and availability, but the rugged TS2 continues commanding a premium from adventure photographers seeking durable cameras.

Panasonic TS2 front Panasonic TS2 screen back Samsung PL200 front Samsung PL200 screen back

How They Score Across Photography Disciplines

To summarize their suitability by genre, here’s an expert evaluation based on extensive field testing:

• Portraits: Both cameras are limited by lens speed and autofocus tech; PL200 slightly better for reach.
• Landscapes: TS2’s weather sealing and longer exposures trump image sharpness of PL200.
• Wildlife: PL200 for zoom; TS2 for tracking but neither ideal for fast or distant subjects.
• Sports: Neither suitable for serious action due to slow AF and low burst.
• Street: PL200 better for discretion; TS2 for rugged environments.
• Macro: TS2 leads with stabilization; both limited.
• Night/Astro: TS2’s longer shutters provide modest advantage.
• Video: Clear win for TS2’s HD recording.
• Travel: TS2 for versatility and durability; PL200 for zoom importance.
• Professional: Neither ideal, but TS2 better rugged backup.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

Stepping back from specs to practical reality, here’s how I’d guide decisions based on shooting preferences:

• Choose Panasonic Lumix TS2 if:
  You need a compact, durable camera that can survive water, shock, and freezing cold. You desire HD video and plan to shoot in challenging environments - think hiking, snorkeling, or casual adventure photography. You’re willing to trade off zoom length and some processing sharpness for reliability and versatility.

• Choose Samsung PL200 if:
  Your priority is a small, easy-to-carry camera with a powerful 7x optical zoom for travel and casual photography. You shoot mostly in stable conditions and prefer sharper daylight images with richer colors. You want something discreet in urban or social settings and are less concerned about durability or video specs.

Neither camera is a professional-grade tool, but both fulfill valuable niches for enthusiasts or casual shooters with distinct priorities.

Closing: Lessons from Over a Decade of Testing Compacts

Reviewing two compact cameras from 2010 reminds us that not all 14MP sensors are equal, and a camera’s design philosophy hugely impacts its real-world performance. The Panasonic TS2 shows that ruggedness and versatility come with design compromises - lower zoom, slower autofocus, and a smaller screen. The Samsung PL200, meanwhile, sacrifices build and durability for zoom reach and sharper output, but with limits on exposure and video.

When shooting is your passion, understanding these trade-offs enables smarter camera choices. I hope this detailed comparison helps you weigh the pros and cons based on how you shoot. If in doubt, consider what matters most: ruggedness and video (TS2) or zoom and portability (PL200).

Happy shooting out there!

If you found this review insightful, feel free to explore other comparisons or drop questions about niche cameras I’ve tested extensively.